Catheter support

ABSTRACT

A catheter support comprising a pliant tubular structure of rigidity greater than the penis including a region surrounding the penis shaft, a region surrounding the penis head, and a substantially closed end having an aperture aligned with the penis terminal opening through which the catheter is received. The catheter support limits or eliminates catheter movement substantially radial to the axis of the catheter and thus radially against the inner opening if the penis head, substantially reducing or eliminating abrasion or other insult to the penis surfaces and tissue that interface with the catheter. One embodiment comprises 2 substantially identical elongated halves having longitudinal recesses and hinged together to close around the penis end and catheter providing the catheter support in a structure having improved comfort and wearability.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to supports for catheters introduced into the body, in particular, to supports for catheters introduced into the penis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The penis, having its unique structure, functions and tissue is in general unwelcoming to catheters and the rigid mechanical catheter supports. While having some minor degree of rigidity, relative to catheters inserted therein, the penis is relatively flaccid and further includes soft, sensitive and delicate tissues at its terminal end. Moreover, at this terminal end with the entering catheter, most discomfort is experienced by the wearer.

Attempts to alleviate discomfort by inserting a sleeve within the initial penis opening much like a catheter introducer ultimately becomes more uncomfortable than the catheter itself, and often cannot be worn for the needed duration. Other external rigid structures are generally unwearable or cannot be reliably supported by the penis, while flexible and very pliant structures may not provided the needed catheter support.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The catheter support according to the present invention comprises a pliant tubular structure of rigidity greater than the penis including a region surrounding the penis shaft, a region surrounding the penis head, and a substantially closed end having an aperture aligned with the penis terminal opening through which the catheter is received. The catheter support limits or eliminates catheter movement substantially radial to the axis of the catheter and thus radially against the inner opening if the penis head, substantially reducing or eliminating abrasion or other insult to the penis surfaces and tissue that interface with the catheter.

One embodiment comprises 2 substantially identical elongated halves having longitudinal recesses and hinged together to close around the penis end and catheter providing the catheter support in a structure having improved comfort and wearability.

Further design embodiments accommodate variations in application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

These and further features of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following Detailed Description together with the Drawing, wherein

FIG. 1 is an end view and a cross-sectional view of one embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view and a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an end view and a cross-sectional view of an further alternate embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an end view and a cross-sectional view of a further alternate embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a further alternate embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is side, end and plan view of a further alternate embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective and end view of a further alternate embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective and end view of a further alternate embodiment according to the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a partial side view and an end view of a further alternate embodiment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An end view 52 and a cross section view 54 of a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and is a substantially tubular outer structure 56 having a first section 62 with an opening 64 into the outer structure 56. The first section 62 opening 64 is typically symmetrical about a longitudinal axis extending the length of the outer structure 56, and has a substantially uniform opening throughout the length of the opening 64 and is sized to lightly grip the shaft portion of a penis. The embodiment of the present invention shown provides some movement of the penis relative to the outer structure 56 and is shown in a rearward position 50A as well as a maximally forward position 50B and typically assumes a position between the forward and rearward positions. In one embodiment, the first section is approximately 1″ in length having an opening diameter of 0.75″, and a wall 76 thickness of about 0.187″.

A second section 70 of the outer structure also has an opening 71 that aligns with the opening 64, gradually expands from the opening 64 diameter to a larger diameter 74, and is substantially symmetrical about the axis 60. In one embodiment, the larger diameter 74 is about one-eight larger than opening 62, which is approximately 0.85″ and the second section axially extends approximately 1.25″ from the first section 62. The second section 70 has a wall 76 of thickness typically diminishing from the wall 76 thickness, and has an opening 71 typically has a rounded interior end distal from the first section 62 which is seen as a rapidly diminished diameter, at which point a third section 80 begins. The second section is typically dimensioned to retain and enclose the penis head.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the third section 80 has a substantially reduced diameter opening 82 typically sized to receive a catheter therethrough, and providing a slight additional margin around the catheter to permit catheter insertion and/or retention without binding or pulling on the catheter 90 inserted into the opening 82. In this embodiment, the opening 82 is substantially uniform in diameter along the axis 60, and is typically centered about the axis 60. An opening 82 in one embodiment is 0.185″ through a third section length of 0.75″

A second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 by an end view 86 and a cross section view 88 and is has a substantially tubular outer structure 84 having a first section 62 and second section 70 substantially the same as provided by the prior embodiment of FIG. 1. The second embodiment includes a third section 91 substantially the same as the third section 80 of the prior embodiment of FIG. 1, except that the longitudinal or axial opening 92 is non-uniform, and as shown in FIG. 2, tapers from a minimum opening end 93 to a maximum opening end 94 (proximal the penis head). In one embodiment, the minimum opening end 93 is slightly larger than the catheter 90, e.g. approximately 3/16″ for a 14 French catheter, and the maximum opening 94 expands amounts up to at least 100 percent of the minimum opening.

A third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 by an end view 102 and a cross section view 104 and is has a substantially tubular outer structure 106 having a first section 62 and second section 70 substantially the same as provided by the prior embodiment of FIG. 1. The third embodiment includes a third section 110 substantially the same as the third section 80 of the prior embodiment of FIG. 1, except that the longitudinal or axial opening 112 is enlarged and receives a sleeve 100 into the enlarged opening 112. The sleeve 100 can be a single element having a cylindrical opening to receive the catheter 90, or a multisectioned element as shown, with 2 (or more) mating pieces 114, 116, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, includes members 118 which extend radially outward from the mating pieces 114, 116 and each engage a corresponding recess 120 extending radially from the opening 112 in the third section 110.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 by an end view 132 and a cross section view 134 and is has a substantially tubular outer structure 84 having a first section 62 and second section 70 substantially the same as provided by the prior embodiment of FIG. 1.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the third section 130 has a substantially reduced diameter opening 138 typically sized to receive a catheter therethrough, and providing a slight additional margin around the catheter to permit catheter insertion and/or retention without binding or pulling on the catheter 90 inserted into the opening 138, and to accommodate a lubricant, e.g. a dry, PTFE, etc. lubricant 142 between the catheter 90 and the opening 138 surface. In this embodiment, the opening 138 is substantially uniform in diameter along the axis 60, and is typically centered about the axis 60. An opening in one embodiment is 0.185″ through a third section length of 0.75″ A further embodiment includes a washer 140 having an inner opening sized to permit the catheter to pass through yet small enough to urge the lubricant 142 to be retained in the opening 138 without restricting movement of the catheter 90.

A typical use of the embodiments FIGS. 1-4 is to insert the catheter 90 into the head of the penis a desired amount and then to apply the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 around the penis either by guiding the formed outer structure over the penis, or if comprising multiple section, carefully closing the outer structure over the penis.

A further alternate embodiment 150 is shown in FIG. 5, comprising two longitudinal halves, each having a relatively rigid outer shell 152 which substantially surrounds and retains a resilient insert 154. Typically, the insert 154 comprises a softer material 154 such as foam, and are shaped to proved a sequence of longitudinal openings within sections 162, 164 and 166 of the insert to accommodate the penis shaft, the penis head and the catheter with a corresponding sequence of inner axially aligned openings of appropriate diameters, which in one embodiment corresponds to the openings sections 62, 70 and 80 of the embodiment of FIG. 1, and have wall 170 thickness defined by the section openings and the shell 152 inner dimensions. In one embodiment, the insert 154 comprises a flexible foam to allow for body changes and a compression grip about the penis shaft and/or head. Moreover, the insert implementation of the present invention provide low-cost accommodation of various penis sizes by correspondingly dimensioned inner openings with different pairs of inserts 154 while maintaining the same outer shell 152. Alternate embodiments of this and other embodiments include a polypropylene or other water absorbing or water-wicking layer 157 disposed to be in contact with the penis, or porous foam 156 and/or shell 152, or equivalent in the other embodiments of the present invention. An optional shell inner extension 158 extends into the insert recess 168 and into which the catheter is initially inserted. Typically the shells 152 mate and include a means to secure the shells 152 together such as clips 160 which engage corresponding portions or recesses in the typically identical mating shell (not shown). Alternately, the shells (and inserts therein) can be secured together with encircling elements (not shown) and a recess 172 may be included within the periphery of the shell 152.

A further embodiment 180 is shown in FIG. 6, wherein the catheter support comprises two mating pieces 182A, 182B mating on a plane substantially including the axis, and connected by a hinge 184. In the embodiment shown, the catheter support includes 3 axially contiguous regions 192, 194 and 196 having inner openings substantially axially aligned, and may comprise the dimensions of the corresponding openings 64, 72 and 82 as may be proportioned to the anticipated penis dimensions. To guide the closing together of the mating catheter support pieces 182A, 182B about the hinge 184, ridge guides 186 and complementary mating ridge guide recesses 188 are formed and positioned to receive the corresponding guide elements from the other of the mating pieces. In the instant embodiment, they are longitudinally disposed on the divided wall edge of the catheter holder 180 parallel to the axis 60. In addition to the closure devices previously discussed regarding other embodiments and applied hereto, still further closure devices 190A, 190B or as may be known in the art may be applied to the embodiments of the present invention. Closure devices applicable to this and other embodiments include tape, snaps, VELCRO (a trademark of Velcro Corp.), buttons and/or clasps.

A typical use of the embodiments FIGS. 5 and 6 is to insert the catheter 90 into the head of the penis a desired amount and then to apply the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6 around the penis either by guiding the formed outer structure over the penis, or if comprising multiple section, carefully closing the outer structure over the penis. Alternate embodiments of the catheter support 180 of FIG. 6 (or 150 of FIG. 5) may further include a substantially rigid single outer shell having an central top opening through which the catheter is received, such as formed according to two mating shells 152 of FIG. 6 applied over mating pieces 182A, 182B (or two of 170, FIG. 5). This substantially rigid outer shell is applied over the inserts 154 or mating pieces 182A, 182B after being closed over the penis, and may further extend the entire length of the insert or mating pieces or partially therealong.

The further alternate embodiment 200 of FIG. 7 comprises a tubular member 210 having an opening 202 at one end sized to receive the penis head and shaft and a smaller opening 204 at the opposite end of the tubular member 210 through which a catheter (not shown) is received and supported as described in the above embodiments. The tubular member 210 includes a slot 206 extending along the wall of the tubular member 210 (including slot in each of a penis shaft support, a penis head support and a catheter support as describe in the above embodiments aligned or otherwise in communication) from the opening into which the penis is received, to the smaller opening 204 and through which the catheter may be moved and ultimately be place through the smaller opening 204 and into the center of the tubular member 210. The slot 206 and other slots (not shown) extending along a smaller portion of the length of the tubular member may provide ventilation or air movement and mitigate the build-up of moisture, and such slots are applicable to other embodiments shown herewith. The embodiment may also include a slot 206 with walls 208 and raised portions 212 (or other mechanism) which urges the catheter to remain in the smaller opening 204. Alternate embodiment provide a resilient tubular member having adhesive disposed on the slot walls 208 permitting all or portions of the slot to be closed around the penis.

A further alternate embodiment 220 according to the present invention comprising a tubular member 230 having a opening 222 disposed at one end of the tubular member into the penis shaft and penis head is received and a smaller opening at the opposite end of the tubular member through which a catheter 224 passes (and is supported as provided with the above embodiments) and forms an assembly together with the tubular member 230. This embodiment (and other above embodiments) may further include apertures 232 disposed along the length of the tubular member extending inward to provide a ventilation passageway providing a flow of air proximal or in contact with the penis (or internal moisture controlling layers, e.g. 157 of FIG. 5) to reduce moisture or heat (or both) within the embodiments of the present invention.

A further alternate embodiment 240 is shown in FIG. 9, wherein the catheter support end of tubular member, also receiving the penis shaft and penis head in an opposite end opening, comprises several sections 244 extending radially outward from the catheter support end opening 242. The section 244 tips 246 converge but stop short and form the opening 242 through which the catheter passes, and may comprise the thickness necessary for catheter support as described for the above embodiments or may merely provide a sufficiently rigid outer structure to protect and support the catheter from moving radially against the head of the penis as radial or other forces are applied to the catheter outside the catheter support, having a thickened insert material therebehind to provide the above described catheter support.

The embodiments provided herein are understood to be exemplary and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Modifications and substitutions as may be known to one of ordinary skill in the art are included herewith. The scope of the claims is not limited except by the claims which follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a penis shaft support comprising a first substantially tubular member having a substantially circular, substantially uniform opening first aperture extending therethrough along an axis; a penis head support dimensioned to retain and support a penis head therein along its length, comprising a second substantially tubular member contiguous with said penis shaft support and having a substantially circular second aperture extending therethrough in axial alignment with said first aperture and communicating therewith, and having an increasing internal diameter with increasing distance from said first aperture; and a catheter support contiguous with said penis head support and having a third aperture extending therethrough with an interior opening size substantially less than said first aperture, said catheter support configured to be disposed away from said penis head and adapted to receive a catheter through said third aperture.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of mating longitudinally extending members each including a portion of said penis shaft support, said penis head support and said catheter support.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further including a hinge member joining at least two of said plurality of mating members.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one of said plurality of mating members includes a securing means adapted to engage an adjoining longitudinally extending member.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one of said plurality of mating members comprises an outer shell and an inner insert received into said outer shell and providing said portion of said penis shaft support, said penis head support and said catheter support therein.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said penis shaft support, said penis head support and said catheter support are formed from a single material.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said penis shaft support, said penis head support and said catheter support each include a longitudinal slot dimensioned and mutually aligned to receive a catheter therethrough from said first aperture to said third aperture.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said penis shaft support and said penis head support comprises a substantially rigid layer and a substantially soft layer concentrically disposed relative to said axis.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said penis shaft support and said penis head support further includes a moisture absorbing layer.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said penis shaft support, said penis head support and said catheter support includes ventilation passages therein.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said catheter support section includes a plurality of members extending radially from said third aperture mutually separate from each other.
 12. A catheter support, comprising: an elongated substantially tubular member having a first opening at a first end sized to receive a penis head and shaft therethrough and a second opening at a second end opposite to said first end and smaller than said first opening, said second opening extends through a wall having a thickness and said second opening is sized to receive a catheter therethrough along an axis and further said wall thickness providing support to said catheter substantially preventing deviation from said axis if presented with forces radial to said axis, said tubular member further including an open slot connecting said first opening and said second opening.
 13. The catheter support of claim 12, wherein at least said second end includes a catheter retainer urging a catheter inserted through said slot into said second opening to remain in said second opening.
 14. The catheter support of claim 13, wherein said catheter retainer comprises one of a restriction in the dimension of said slot and a resilient tubular member including a slot closure means.
 15. The catheter support of claim 14, wherein said tubular member includes slot walls contiguous with said slot, and said slot closure means comprises one of an adhesive disposed at least partially along said slot and a mechanical device disposed on said tubular member to urge said slot walls together.
 16. The catheter support of claim 12 a wherein said tubular member includes a soft layer and a rigid layer concentrically disposed over said tubular member axis.
 17. The catheter support of claim 12 a further including a moisture absorbing layer. 